kurt Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I took my first punch on a home inspection today. The realtor pushed me, and the builder swung and glanced one off my collar bone. I guess I musta said something wrong....... Actually, I said everything right, all nice & polite and couched in industry language. The guy took it as a direct insult, and decide to exercise a little Eastern Euro macho man on me. My customers told me they'd testify if I wanted to press charges. I said why bother, it'd only mean we'd have to think about it instead of moving on to another house. This job just keeps getting weirder...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Whitmore Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 [:-bigeyes-- I have had some close calls and threats, but you are the first one I know of to be assaulted by a Realtor and Builder at the same time..... congratulations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Originally posted by kurt I took my first punch on a home inspection today. The realtor pushed me, and the builder swung and glanced one off my collar bone. I guess I musta said something wrong....... Actually, I said everything right, all nice & polite and couched in industry language. The guy took it as a direct insult, and decide to exercise a little Eastern Euro macho man on me. My customers told me they'd testify if I wanted to press charges. I said why bother, it'd only mean we'd have to think about it instead of moving on to another house. This job just keeps getting weirder...... The realtor and the builder tag teamed you? That's hysterical. With the builder, I'd just chalk it up to ethnic differences. However, if a realtor ever pushed me, I'd have his license. I'm vindictive that way. - Jim Katen, Oregon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Manor Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Jeez - now we have to add self defense to the curriculum for inspectors..... -Brad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inspector57 Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I've got to ask, what did you not like about the house, and was it the listing agent or the buyers agent? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted April 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I don't like or dislike. I just make a list. In this case, the list was largely about inadequate flashing, and caulk. Lots and lots of caulk. Sloppy coping w/huge ridiculous gaps. Glass block windows sealed w/roofing cement. Windows not closing because they were not square or aligned. Single coat stucco on 1/4" durock laid over "exterior" drywall w/no moisture barrier or weep screeds. Just another of these ridiculously overpriced million dollar dumps w/beautiful crown molding, marble bathrooms, Viking ranges, etc., and no freaking idea about how to put a building envelope together. I tried explaining how these sorts of problems don't necessarily show up immediatly. How it takes a few, or even several, years for enough water to accumulate in the walls for there to be a visible problem. How engineered assemblies tend to hold moisture and accumulate it. Why moisture barriers/drainage planes under stucco are a good idea. That sort of thing. Builder didn't wanna hear it, and the realtor squawked that I was going way overboard, well beyond what I was "supposed to do", and "requiring more than the City does". I tried to explain that I don't require anything, and the City doesn't even look at stuff. That was right about the time it got physical. Weird..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Moore Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 "...and the builder swung and glanced one off my collar bone." Sounds like the poor guy just can't get anything done right!!! Amazing...although the realtor "pushing you" is, somehow, even weirder. [:-bigeyes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randynavarro Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Wow, bro. That's just weird. Wished I coulda been there, though. I'm always fascinated by grown men (or women) resorting to fisticuffs. Boggles my mind. At a home inspection no less. . . C'mon now; between you, me, and the fencepost, what was the real comment that aggravated them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian G Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Incredible, and since no harm done, funny as hell. How dare you threaten the fat profits those lovely people stand to reap from the POS mansion you slandered? Now don't you feel all bad and stuff? [:-dev3] Brian G. And In This Corner, the Friar of Flashing, the Captain of Caulk, the Montebank of Moisture....Mitenbuler Man! [:-masked] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieb Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I admire your attitude. In this corner KURT "the hurricane" Mitenbuler! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Fabry Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 However, if a realtor ever pushed me, I'd have his license. I'm vindictive that way. Me too, OR the realtor could have the choice of providing me with a letter of apology for my office wall, preframed and signed. I'm magnanimous so I'd let him/her choose. Seriously, nobody forces a fight or flight adrenaline rush in me without also suffering some kind of expense. "Kurt the Hurricane"? I like "Kurt the Kollarbone" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Morrison Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Did I miss the part of the story where Kurt "The Hurt" Mitenbuler leaves the builder with a permanent speech impediment? I admire your self control and sense of humor, my brother. I think I'd have at least marked the bastard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bain Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Hey Kurt, I would like to be the first to volunteer to drive to Chicago, pay visits to the builder and realtor, and administer not-so-small dosages of their own medicines. Anyone else? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted April 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Fellas, I appreciate the thought. Honest, I have no desire to engage in foolishness. The worst tactical mistake to be made is confrontation on the opponents terms. Besides, it would disturb my wah. Sailing season is right around the corner. I am in mental preparation for taking on the Big Pond, wind, and waves. I don't need no steenkin' conflict to screw things up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozofprev Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 That is funny. You handled it perfectly and your client must have appreciated your professionalism. Was it your client's realtor who pushed? If so, it seems the client would have plenty to say to him. (It was a him, right - this isn't something we can turn into a sexy fantasy later?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Baird Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 This puts another facet on the meaning of the old saying, "Truth hurts." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Morrison Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Kurt "The Hurt" is a fine example for us all to follow. I watched an owner push a listing agent down the front stairs of a brownstone a few years back on the AM of a closing. The agent did not press charges because he didn't want to jeopardize his commission. Money brings out the worst in people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qhinspect Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 What's going on by you? All the killings and now this! If I were you, I would think about moving down the road to Gary, Indiana where it's safer.[:-crazy] http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/04/21/chi ... index.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lamb Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I don't think it's funny and hope I'm never in that situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted April 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 Well, I wasn't holding it out there as world class humor, and I didn't really want to "be there" either, but I was. Since no one got hurt, I thought it had a shred of humor to it, though. Heck, if I can't share weirdness w/the sisters and brothers, who can I share it with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Manor Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 A few months ago I suggested to my client that the basement of a home appeared to have been wired by a six year old after a hard night of drinking. The homeowner, who had done the wiring, heard and took offense. I thought I was going to take a shot, but luckily he calmed down. I now keep (most of) my smartass comments to myself. -Brad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randynavarro Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 Hm. I've always strongly suggested that the sellers of the property shouldn't be there when I am. Of course, I don't have any control over that. Hearing these stories makes me realize why its good they're not around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 The "Kurtinator" [b)] OT - OF!!! M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Brown Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 Kurtfucius sayâ⬦ Man who wrestles with pigs gets dirty. Wise man! [:-graduat Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidlord Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 I can only hope that I can show such self control if ever in that situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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